TAHLEQUAH -- Northeastern State continued non-conference action on the road, dropping a contest to Henderson State in a 71-64 result Tuesday night.

The RiverHawks (5-1) got out ahead in the opening period and held a 19-13 lead after ten minutes. NSU would hold the Reddies (3-0) to just 26.7% (4-of-15) shooting in the first quarter. Both sides would shoot at an identical 35.7% (5-of-14) clip in the following period, with the visiting side taking a 31-26 edge to break.

Northeastern would surrender the lead with 2:06 to play in the third quarter (41-39) and would exit the period down by four (47-43). In a concluding frame dictated by scoring runs from both sides, the RiverHawks would open the fourth on a 10-3 run, but the Reddies would close the night on a 17-8 run across the closing 5:19 to clinch the decision.

McKenzie Smith would lead NSU with 18 points and five made field goals. Smith recorded a perfect night at the free throw line, connecting on all eight attempts. Smith also led NSU with eight rebounds. Deyanna Douglas would be the only other individual in double figures for the RiverHawks, logging 11 points. Reese Shirey would have six assists and five steals in the loss.

Northeastern State returns home to face Southeastern Oklahoma State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.